excessive discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excessive discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is too much conversation or debate about a particular topic, often implying that it is unnecessary or unproductive. Example: "The meeting was unproductive due to the excessive discussion on minor details that could have been resolved quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Indeed, they climbed with relatively little conflict, albeit with constant, even excessive discussion.

Science Magazine

2) There seems to be excessive discussion about family 3 despite substantial ambiguity regarding the etiology of disease.

eLife

I would note that this paper (and I think the accompanying one as well) are heavily "overspecified", to the extent that there is a danger to completely drawn an interesting idea in a muddy waters of weak argumentation and excessive discussion.

Biology Direct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Excessive discussions about procedure do this to a movement – distract members from proper activism.

The Guardian

The most common "main academic problem" cited in 2000 was excessive political discussions (58% of students), while in 2007 it was low student performance (32% of students).

BMC Health Services Research

Trust and openness are key to good dynamics within a company, while negative energies start a vicious cycle (like passive aggressive behavior vs. open discussion, excessive politics vs. meritocracy, undermining co-workers/leaders vs. constructive criticism and support, assigning blame vs. taking ownership).

TechCrunch

Lifeless programming, tepid panel discussions, excessive liberal agreeing and the occasional nasty comment followed by an excellent apology — these are the dynamics that help to account for the cable channel's worm-level ratings.

The Washington Post

While this is an important subject, the discussion seems excessive in a book about personal finance.

The New York Times

David Cameron, the British prime minister, said the amounts of money under discussion were excessive and warned that "if they don't come down, there won't be a deal".

The New York Times

The flight crew was criticised for not maintaining a sterile cockpit during the landing, with excessive non-flight related discussion going on throughout the flight.

Wikipedia

The order, which mandates all training to be completed by September, comes one week after a photo of 20-year-old Martese Johnson, his face covered in blood, became the focus of a rallying cry in a nationwide discussion about excessive force by law enforcement agents.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "excessive discussion", consider whether a more specific term might better capture the nuance you intend, such as "unproductive debate" or "drawn-out deliberation".

Common error

While "excessive discussion" is generally acceptable, avoid it in highly formal or academic contexts where more precise and sophisticated language is preferred. Consider alternatives like "protracted debate" or "unduly lengthy deliberation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excessive discussion" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "excessive" modifies the noun "discussion". This construction describes the nature or quality of the discussion, indicating that it is happening to an undue degree. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "excessive discussion" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes situations where there is too much conversation or debate. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not incorrect, consider if a more precise term might be better to use, depending on your context. Although found across different domains, it's most prevalent in science and news media sources. Be mindful not to overuse it in super formal writing; that’s where you’ll want to get a little more creative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessive discourse

This is a more formal way of saying "excessive discussion", implying a structured or academic conversation.

unnecessary discussion

This alternative suggests the discussion isn't needed at all, emphasizing a lack of purpose rather than just an excess of it.

excessive dialogue

This term more specifically describes a back-and-forth exchange, particularly in a literary or theatrical context.

overblown discussion

This suggests that the discussion has been exaggerated or made more significant than it warrants.

extensive discussion

This simply indicates a large amount of discussion, without necessarily implying that it is too much.

obsessive discussion

This suggests a discussion that is repetitive, fixated, and potentially unhealthy.

excessive reflection

This implies too much internal thought or contemplation on a subject, rather than outward conversation.

excessive examination

This focuses on a detailed investigation of a topic, rather than a general conversation.

inappropriate discussion

This shifts the focus to the suitability or relevance of the discussion, not just its length or intensity.

excessive focus

This refers to an overemphasis on a particular subject or aspect, not necessarily involving conversation.

FAQs

What does "excessive discussion" mean?

The phrase "excessive discussion" refers to a situation where there is too much talk or debate about a particular topic, often implying that the amount of discussion is unnecessary or unproductive.

What can I say instead of "excessive discussion"?

You can use alternatives like "unnecessary discussion", "lengthy debate", or "protracted deliberation" depending on the context.

Is "excessive discussion" grammatically correct?

Yes, "excessive discussion" is grammatically correct. "Excessive" is an adjective modifying the noun "discussion". According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

When is "excessive discussion" considered negative?

"Excessive discussion" is often viewed negatively when it becomes unproductive, delays decision-making, or distracts from more important tasks. It implies that the conversation has gone on for too long without reaching a satisfactory conclusion.